Unit-Level Tracking via RFID and Blockchain for Supply Chain Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supply chain management lacks the ability to individually track and price units of products, leading to cumbersome bulk transactions and preventing intelligent pricing and accurate payment for individual units, especially in large-scale operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a unit database with unique product and unit codes, linked to all parties involved in the product's lifecycle, enabled by sensor-derived data processing, allowing for automatic tracking and pricing of individual units, and facilitated by RFID technology and blockchain transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If units of products are treated as interchangeable in bulk transactions, then transaction efficiency is improved, but the ability to individuate and track individual units is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the product identification system into two levels: a shared product code that identifies the product type and individual unit codes that identify specific units. This segmentation allows bulk transactions to be processed efficiently using the product code while preserving the ability to track and price individual units through their unique unit codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic chips (RFID tags) as information copies that can be read remotely without physical contact. These chips contain both the product code and unit code, allowing rapid scanning and identification of units in bulk while maintaining the ability to access detailed individual unit information in the database.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual unit tracking is implemented, then intelligent pricing and accurate payment for individual units is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal database system that handles multiple functions: storing product information, tracking individual units, managing pricing, recording transactions, and maintaining party information. This single multi-functional system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic chip as an intermediary carrier that holds identification information. This chip serves as a mediator between the physical unit and the digital database, simplifying the tracking process by enabling automatic reading and writing of unit information without complex manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic chips are embedded in storage positions, then automatic unit location tracking is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive electromagnetic chips (RFID tags) that can be easily manufactured and embedded in storage positions. These low-cost components are designed to be simple and durable, requiring minimal manufacturing complexity while providing reliable location tracking functionality throughout the supply chain.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise tracking and pricing of individual units, streamlining transactions from bulk to unit-level engagement, ensuring accurate payments and cost allocation across the supply chain, enhancing operational efficiency and transparency.
Implementation Method 1
The unit code may be embedded in an electromagnetic chip such as an RFID, which is in turn embedded within the unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically updating a unit code database to reflect activity on the unit-specific level based on parameter capturing and detection mechanisms, with these mechanisms effectuated via scanning unit-unique codes.